Load handling machine

Abstract

A load handling machine having a chassis including a pair of frame members including generally upright parallel plate-like parts. At one end of the chassis, each frame member forms a recess below upper surfaces of the frame members in which at least a portion of an axle is accommodated. A transverse axle mounting member substantially closes the space between the frame members to provide a first axle mounting part for a first trunnion of the axle. An end closure extends between the frame members substantially to close the longitudinal space between ends of the frame members. A second trunnion of the axle projects oppositely of the first trunnion. The axle mounting is fixed relative to the remainder of the machine to permit the axle to oscillate about a generally longitudinal axis between the frame members while preventing translational movement of the axle relative to the chassis.

1 . A load handling machine having a chassis including a pair of frame members each including a generally upright plate-like part, which frame members extend generally parallel in a generally longitudinal direction of the machine and defining between them a space, the frame members being rigid over the chassis length and at one longitudinal end of the chassis, each being shaped to provide a recess below upper surfaces of the frame members, in which recess at least a portion of an axle is accommodated, there being a transverse axle mounting member extending between the frame members in the region of the recess, substantially to close the space between the frame members, and to provide a first axle mounting part which receives a first trunnion of the axle which projects along a generally longitudinal axis which is located between the upper and lower surfaces of the frame members, and there being an end closure which extends between the frame members substantially to close the space between the frame members at or adjacent the longitudinal ends of the frame members, the end closure including a depending part which provides a second axle mounting part which receives a second trunnion of the axle which projects oppositely of the first trunnion along the generally longitudinal axis, the mounting parts together providing an axle mounting which is fixed relative to the remainder of the machine and which permits the axle to oscillate about the generally longitudinal axis but which does not permit translational movement of the axle relative to the chassis, and the axle carrying a pair of ground engaging wheels, each of which is rotatable about a transverse axle axis.  
     
     
         2 . A machine according to  claim 1  wherein the first trunnion received in an opening in the transverse mounting member, the second trunnion being received in an axially coincident opening provided in the end closure.  
     
     
         3 . A machine according to  claim 2  wherein the ground engaging wheels are steerable, having hubs pivotally mounted on the axle body, for pivoting movement about respective generally upright axes.  
     
     
         4 . A machine according to  claim 1  wherein the machine includes front frame members and rear frame members, the frame members extending generally parallel in a generally longitudinal direction of the machine, and defining between them a space.  
     
     
         5 . A machine according to  claim 4  wherein at both the front and rear frame members there is a transverse axle mounting member extending between the frame members in the region of the recess, substantially to close the space between the frame members, and to provide a first axle mounting part which receives a first trunnion of the axle which projects along a generally longitudinal axis which is located between the upper and lower surfaces of the frame members, and there being an end closure which extends between the frame members substantially to close the space between the frame members at or adjacent the longitudinal ends of the frame members, the end closure including a depending part which provides a second axle mounting part which receives a second trunnion of the axle which projects oppositely of the first trunnion along the generally longitudinal axis, the mounting parts together providing an axle mounting which permits the axle to oscillate about the generally longitudinal axis, and the axle carrying a pair of ground engaging wheels, each of which is rotatable about a transverse axle axis.  
     
     
         6 . A machine according to  claim 1  wherein upper and lower closure plates are secured to the upright plate-like parts so that where provided, the frame part has a generally box section configuration.  
     
     
         7 . A machine according to  claim 4  wherein the rear frame part of the chassis is integral with or securely and rigidly connected to the front frame part.  
     
     
         8 . A machine according to  claim 4  wherein the rear frame members are wider spaced apart than the front frame members, with one of the rear frame members being offset from its adjoining front frame member.